Similar to a hybrid but with more characteristics of an iron than a wood, the driving iron is used to tee off when accuracy is favored over distance. Driving irons have lofts similar to fairway woods, hybrids or long irons (between 13-22°).

While driving irons are shallower than hybrids or woods from front to back, they are thicker than regular irons. This creates a deeper center of gravity, helping the golfer hit higher shots than with conventional irons.